What is a simple circuit?
A simple circuit is a chain of different parts with wires and switches which allows electricity to flow around.
All electrical appliances use circuits. For electricity to flow correctly, the circuit needs to be complete.
If the circuit in an electrical appliance is broken, the appliance will not work.
Watch: Dr Big Brain and the Simple Circuit
Find out about electrical circuits with Dr Big Brain.
What do the symbols mean?
When drawing electrical circuits, symbols are used to represent the different components.
Battery
Light bulb
Wire
Open switch
Closed switch
Buzzer
Horrible Science fact
It's all well and good having a perfect, simple circuit but it it includes a switch, it will only work if the switch is in the on position meaning the circuit is closed.
You can learn more about circuits here.
Quiz: Dr Bigbrain's circuit
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